2018 Oscars Nominations: Time to Start Binge Watching

After this past week, movie buffs now know what films they have left to binge before March 3. With the Oscars fast approaching, the revealed nominations will result in an increased consumption of popcorn as well as the amount of pirated films streaming to SNHU.

For those who may have missed the news, here are the nominations for Best Picture and snippets of our staff reviews!

The clock is always ticking in Christopher Nolan’s new film, “Dunkirk.” The 107 minute World War II thrill-ride tells the story of the Allies’ defeat at the Battle of Dunkirk, and their harrowing escape from France’s deadly beaches.

At best, the structure adds depth and narrative layers, rewarding the viewer. For example, a moment seen from afar of a crashed pilot waving an “ok” to his comrade gives the audience relief, only to later find out the crashed pilot was feverishly struggling with a defective cockpit hinge as his craft was rapidly sinking into the sea.

At worst, it’s downright confusing. When every enemy plane looks exactly the same, it’s a distraction to try and figure out if this moment already happened in another story.

The most frightening things in the world often hit closest to home. Horror thriller “Get Out” recognizes this by tackling racism at a time where it’s at the forefront of our minds.

This film must be commended for how confidently it tackles its central themes. Peele manages to turn racial tensions into effective tension on the screen in a way that leaves the audience with a clear understanding of what the film wanted to say, while being a great film in its own right.

Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep? Put them together, and of course the Oscar buzz is flying. The world is clamoring to see this film.

Centered around The Washington Post’s first woman publisher Kathy Graham (Streep), and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), The Post follows their history-making decision regarding what to do in the wake of attaining the Pentagon Papers. The theme of “to publish or not to publish” sits at the heart of this film and creates a tension that humbles and inspires.

Many have argued that The Post is Spielberg’s best work, and while it may not be the best movie of the year, it does feel like the most important.

In a post-#MeToo Hollywood, the talk of this year’s awards season is empowerment. With 7 Golden Globes nominations and thirteen Oscar nominations, The Shape of Water is a film about the power of giving voice to the voiceless.

In the midst of the threat of a Soviet attack in Cold War America looming overhead, in The Shape of Water, the military scrambles to find their own defenses. Meanwhile, Sally Hawkins, who plays the mute cleaning lady in a lab, finds a mirror of herself in an amphibious monster held captive by the military.

The Shape of Water is just as amphibious as its monster main character in its balancing act of seemingly disparate genres, and is one of the most human movies of the year.

The rage and lust for justice spawned by murder and sexual assault are at the forefront of “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”. Director Martin McDonagh (“Seven Psychopaths” and “In Bruges”) shows his skill of combining tragedy and comedy without glorifying the subject matter.

The story is centered around Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) months after her daughter, Angela (Kathryn Newton), was raped and murdered. Mildred, unsatisfied with the police’s investigation into her daughter’s case, rents three billboards to display her feelings for the world to see.

With fleshed out characters, hard-hitting moments and plenty of humor along the way, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” deserves to be seen and pondered by everyone.

Stay Tuned for Upcoming Reviews of:

Call Me By Your Name

Darkest Hour

Lady Bird

Phantom Thread

Megan is an alumna of SNHU, formally the Editor-in-Chief of the Penmen Press. She was an English Language and Literature major with minors in communication and education, and she dedicated herself to the growth and success of SNHU's student-led newspaper. In addition to the Penmen Press, Megan also worked in the Deborah L. Coffin's Women Center, conducted extended research projects with SNHU's club for undergraduate research, and sang with her barbershop chorus.